NTT Docomo, a leading telecommunications company in Japan, made a groundbreaking advancement in mobile communications by launching the world's first commercial 3G wireless technology known as FOMA (Freedom of Mobile Access) in October 2001. This rollout was a major milestone as it enabled mobile users to experience significantly improved data transmission rates, allowing for seamless mobile internet access and video conferencing capabilities. At the time of its launch, FOMA operated on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) technology, which was designed to enhance both voice and data communication over mobile networks.

The launch of 3G technology was particularly notable because it provided mobile access to the internet at speeds averaging 200 kbps, with potential peaks much higher. Users could send and receive emails, browse the web, and even make video calls—features that were not possible with the earlier 2G systems. Initially, FOMA was available in select urban areas, with plans for expansion as the technology matured. It set the stage for a new era of mobile communication that would later be adopted worldwide.

The introduction of 3G also transformed the way services were delivered in various sectors, including entertainment, information, and social connectivity. It paved the way for innovations such as mobile gaming, streaming services, and the rise of social media platforms, laying the foundation for the ubiquitous smartphone culture that followed in subsequent years. As a result, NTT Docomo's launch not only impacted Japan but also had a cascading influence on global telecommunications and how consumers interact with technology.